Oxford United Sign Brian Howard

Former Barnsley and Reading midfielder goes into squad for Accrington game

Oxford United are pleased to announce the signing of midfielder Brian Howard on a deal that runs until January, with an option to extend until the end of the season.

The 31-year-old midfielder began his career at Southampton as a trainee before enjoying successful spells at Swindon and Barnsley, where he captained the side to the FA Cup semi-final, scoring the winner against Liverpool at Anfield in the fifth round. He was named in the Championship Team of the Year in 2008/09 before a move to Sheffield United.

The former England under-20 player has since had spells at Reading , Millwall (on loan), Portsmouth, Bristol City, CSKA Sofia and Birmingham City before becoming a free agent in the summer.
He has impressed Michael Appleton in training while on trial, as the United Head Coach told us:

“Brian is a very experienced player and he has that bit of quality and know-how that you need. He has been training with us for a couple of weeks and has done well. He knows the lads now and will go straight into the squad for the two home games this week against Accrington and Stevenage.”

Brian told us:

“It’s a good club and I have been really impressed with the set up and the plans that the club has. I have been made to feel at home straight away, have worked hard with the fitness coaches to catch up with the lads after pre-season and I feel fit and raring to go.”